DSLR

A Canon exec has accused Micro Four Thirds and mirrorless camera manufacturers of entering the segments because their mainstream DSLR models were market failures. Canon's European head of consumer imaging, Rainer Fuehres, told Amateur Photographer that the company had no need to look to Micro Four Thirds or similar, because it had no issues selling either DSLRs or compact cameras.

Canon has thrown in its support for Intel's Thunderbolt technology, joining a list of external drive and A/V interface companies already onboard. According to Hiroo Edakubo, Group Executive of Canon's Video Products Group, the company is "excited about Thunderbolt technology and feel it will bring new levels of performance and simplicity to the video creation market."

I have never been a big fan of Sony gear for many different reasons. I think the stuff tends to be overpriced compared to similar gear from competitors and often to be honest the stuff is just a bit boring. Sony unveiled a cool DSLR last month that had a clear case that let you see all the cool innards of the camera. That thing is the coolest product I have ever seen from Sony and the only product I have ever really wanted from the company other than the PS3.

Olympus is reportedly working on a new camera with single shot HDR capabilities, able to create a high dynamic range image from a single frame. Most conventional HDR systems - such as that on the iPhone 4 for example - combine at least three frames of varying exposures to form a single picture with extra detail in both brighter and darker areas. However, according to 43 Rumors' source, Olympus is developing an in-camera HDR system that can do it with just one original frame to work from.

Intel name-checked a number of storage and A/V companies on board with Thunderbolt and expecting to release products using the new 10Gbps port found on the early 2011 MacBook Pro, but we're already hearing other rumors about potential adopters currently flying under the radar. According to Nikon Rumors's source, the Nikon D4 will be the first DSLR to offer Thunderbolt as a connection option.

When DSLRs started offering HD Video recording, independent and guerilla filmmakers finally were able to afford to get out of the camcorder ghetto while taking advantage of techniques that utilize depth of field. But what they've really missed was the capability to accomplish a smooth "follow focus," which is the ability to focus from one part in the depth of field to another without causing camera movement. That's where the Okii USB Follow Focus Knob comes in handy.

Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Before we get into the meat today, I want to note that SlashGear will be at MWC 2011 next week and you can get your MWC fix by following the "MWC 2011" tag. Monday Canon outted a pair of new DSLR cameras for the entry-level user called the T3i and the T3. The cameras have nice features, the T3i will sell for $899.99 in kit form, and the T3 will be $599.99 in kit form.

Sony has been showing off a new translucent mirror DSLR camera prototype in Japan this week, borrowing the same technology from the A33 and A55 cameras announced last year, and capable of live image previews and auto-focus in both still and video modes. Impress snapped some shots of the prototype, which is clad in a suitably transparent plastic shell.

As expected, Canon has officially announced the new Canon EOS Rebel T3i, and the affordable DSLR also brings along a second model, the EOS Rebel T3. The T3i packs an 18-megapixel sensor, tilting/swivelling 3-inch display, ISO 100 to 6400 and Full HD 24p/25p/30p video capture. Meanwhile, the T3 has a 12.2-megapixel sensor, ISO 100 to 6400 and 720p video capture.

LG will be giving G-Tablet buyers a pair of glasses so they can see the tablet's 3D display; maybe Pentax should give K-r Bonnie Pink Model special edition buyers a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from the garish, clashing colors? Named after Japanese popstar Bonnie Pink, this new K-r limited edition DSLR is based on the same 12.4-megapixel camera as announced in September last year.